Mobile vacuum excavation attachment for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A mobile, platform mounted excavator which may include a vacuum container and a device which will create a vacuum condition within the vacuum container. A water container, water pump, hoses and spray nozzles may be mounted on the platform and may be used for cleaning, jettering out conduits, and loosening earthen material. An articulated boom may be pivotably mounted on the platform and the articulated boom may have the added feature of having a means for coupling and supporting in stabilizing in place, auxiliary tools which are useful for accessing, servicing or repairing in ground utilities. The mobile platform mounted systems may have sensors to measure the physical quantities of the service or repair operation. A data logger, a PLC, an RFID, a camera, a GPS, a utility mapping program and wireless communication may be used for documenting, displaying and storing data related to a utility servicing operation. The above described mobile platform system may be mounted to a variety of vehicles.

This application is a CIP of U.S. Non Provisional application Ser. No.11/208,565 filed 22 Aug. 2005 and claims the benefit of U.S. NonProvisional Application Ser. No. 10/217,055 filed 12 Aug. 2002 toinclude it's 24 Sep. 2002 & 12 Mar. 2003 amendment and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/363,058 filed on 11 Mar. 2002 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/384,719 filed on 3 Jun. 2002. Non ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 10/217,055 is a parent cases of U.S. NonProvisional application Ser. No. 11/208,565 filed 22 Aug. 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile vacuum boring, mud recovery,cleaning and excavation method comprising a platform and having mountedon said platform, a vacuum container and a device which will create avacuum condition within the vacuum container and the platform mountedvacuum container may be mountable to a skid steer, zero turn radiusvehicle, hydraulically driven vehicle and the like. The mobile platformmay have a water pump mounted on it or an air compressor mounted on itor a combination of a vacuum container, a vacuum producing means, avacuum conduit, a water pump, a water tank, an air compressor, a boom, atorque wrench or a hydraulic motor. The vacuum container may be mountedon a sufficient incline to allow debris to be emptied out by gravity andto provide space beneath the debris tank to locate a water storagecontainer and may have a vacuum conduit to transport a liquid and orsolids into the vacuum container. A dispensing device may be added todispense a liquid or a solid from the vacuum container withouteliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container, and saidvacuum container may have the ability to fill, store and dispense itscontents simultaneously. The vacuum container may further comprises ameans to separate a liquid and from solids. An articulated boom may bemounted on the mobile platform and the articulated boom may have theadded feature or attachments chosen from an earth digging bucket, atelescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor to locate buried utilities,monitors and controls to operate the attachments and their function, awater spray nozzle, a man hole cover remover, a cutting tool, a grindingtool, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, a demolitiontool, a torque wrench, a tractor to pull vacuum hose, a jetter nozzle,or a camera and a power source to operate them. The above describedplatform system may further be mounted on a variety of mobile vehicles,chosen from but not limited to a trailer, a truck, railroad car or askid steer which includes a fork lift, front loader, a track vehicle orzero turn radius vehicle which may have the added feature of beingconvertible between a powered vehicle & a trailer. The platform mountedsystem may document data relative to a utility servicing and repairevent; wherein the mobile platform mounted systems may have sensors tomeasure the physical quantities of the service or repair operation. Adata logger, a PLC, an RFID, a camera, a GPS, a utility mapping programand wireless communication may be used for documenting, blue toothtransmitting technology, controlling, displaying and storing datarelated to a utility servicing or repair operation or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

Current state of the art vacuum excavation, boring and mud recoverysystems have a vacuum producing means and have a vacuum containersmounted horizontally on a trailer or truck during transport and whilebeing filled. After filling said vacuum container to a predeterminedcapacity, the vacuum producing device must be discontinued, the fillingmust discontinue, the vacuum environment within the vacuum container iseliminated, the container opened and the contents dumped out. After thecontainer is emptied, the vacuum-producing device may be restarted andthe filling and storing may restart. Currently, vacuum containerscapable of vacuuming mud and boring earth are operated as a batchprocess. The vacuum debris container is mounted horizontal and filledwith debris. After it is full of debris a hydraulic jack tilts the tankfor unloading. The vacuum tank, water tank, and other support equipmentare each mounted separately on a trailer or truck bed, thus consuming alot of floor space.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mobile platformhaving a receiver attachment means for attaching said platform to anattachment fastener present on skid steers which include, a front loaderand zero turn radius vehicles, and further including the use ofhydraulic hoses and hydraulic quick connects in order to access and usehydraulic power, which is generated by the skid steer, and the hydraulicpower may be used to drive one or more hydraulic motors which in turnmay power equipment systems which are mounted on said mobile platformand said equipment systems may be chosen from the group consisting of avacuum container, a vacuum producing means for creating a vacuumenvironment within said vacuum container; and a vacuum conduit forvacuuming liquid or solids into said vacuum container; a watercontainer, a water pump, a conduit for transporting water, and a hosereel; a boom having one or more articulated arms, and said boom having afirst end and a second end; said first end of said boom is mountedadjacent to said mobile platform and a tool attachment means forattaching tools is mounted adjacent to said second end of said boom;wherein said tools are selected from the group consisting of an earthdigging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor to locate buriedutilities, a water spray nozzle, a manhole cover remover, a cuttingtool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning tool,a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractor to pull vacuum hose, ajetter hose reel, a jetter nozzle, a monitor, controls to operate theattachments an their function, or a camera and power source to operatethem, and a single hydraulic motor may belt drive one or more equipmentsystems simultaneously, and each equipment system may use an electricclutch for engaging or disengaging it's operation, and further more anover hung load adapter may be used to reduce side loading of thehydraulic motor bearings.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means toaccomplish a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum excavation systemmounted to a mobile platform which may be mounted on a variety of mobilevehicles.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means toaccomplish a compact, concentrated weight, water excavation and drainageconduit jettering system mounted on a mobile platform which may bemounted to a variety of mobile vehicles.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means toaccomplish a compact, concentrated weight, air excavation system mountedon a mobile platform which may be mounted to a variety of mobilevehicles.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means toaccomplish a compact, concentrated weight, articulated boom systemmounted on a mobile platform which may be mounted to a variety of mobilevehicles.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means toaccomplish a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum excavation systemmounted on a mobile platform which may be coupled to a variety of mobilevehicles, chosen from but not limited to a skid steer, a front loader,or a zero turn radius vehicle which may have the added feature of beingconvertible between a powered vehicle & a trailer, wherein the mobilevehicle supplies power to operate the platform mounted excavationequipment.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mobileequipment means for servicing and repairing in ground utilities whereinthe mobile equipment means comprises a mobile platform which may beconnected to a front loader skid steer type vehicle wherein the mobileplatform may have a vacuum excavator system, a water jetter system, anair excavator system, or an articulated boom arm with utility servicingtools attached mounted on it. A further objective is for the utilityservicing and repair event to be documented. The mobile platform mountedsystems may have sensors to measure the physical quantities of theservice or repair operation. A data logger, a PLC, an RFID, a camera, aGPS, a utility mapping program, blue tooth transmitting technology, andwireless communication may be used for documenting, controlling,displaying and storing data related to a utility servicing or repairoperation or the like. Graphs, pictures, graphics, and charts relativeto the service event may be generated for persons with a need to know.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means toaccomplish a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum excavation systemmounted on a mobile platform which may be attached to a variety ofmobile vehicles, wherein an RFID tag is positioned adjacent to an inground access, an in ground valve, an in ground repair, an in groundservice point, and in ground wye or tee, or any part of an in groundutility which needs to be located for the purpose of collecting dataabout the buried utility. An RFID sensor such as an RFID antenna mayactivate the buried RFID tag. The RFID antenna may be used for gatheringdata from the RFID TAG for the purpose of location verification andreceiving stored data from the RFID tag.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means toaccomplish a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum excavation systemmounted on a mobile platform which may have a vacuum container rigidlymounted at a sufficient incline to allow debris to be emptied out bygravity and to provide space beneath the debris tank to locate a waterstorage container.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a means ofseparating the stored contents by predetermined category and dispensethem without stopping the vacuum fill and store operation or eliminatingthe vacuum environment within the vacuum container.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide anarticulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structuralstrength to allow an operator to move and control the location of thesuction end of the vacuum conduit and said suction end of said vacuumconduit have an earth digging bucket mounted adjacent it, and saidconduit boom with said earth digging bucket being mounted on a mobilevehicle, and a preferred vehicle being a powered zero turn radiusvehicle having the ability to be converted into a towable trailerconfiguration for the purpose of transporting from job to job.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a vacuumconduit boom with sufficient structural strength, power and articulatedmovement to allow an operator to move and control the location of thesuction end of the vacuum conduit into a manhole lateral line along witha jetter spray nozzle.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide anarticulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structuralstrength to allow an operator to remotely move and control the locationof the suction end of the vacuum conduit with one or more toolattachments adjacently attached to the suction end of said vacuumconduit and said attachments selected from the group consisting of anearth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, sensor to locateburied utilities, monitors and controls to operate the attachments andtheir function, water spray nozzle, manhole cover remover, cutting tool,grinding tool, saw, blasting tool, surface cleaning tool, demolitiontool, torque wrench, tractor to pull vacuum hose, jetter nozzle, orcamera and power source to operate them.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to separatehydrocarbons from the contents vacuumed into the vacuum container.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a meansto purify or sterilize the contents vacuumed into the vacuum tank.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above described objectives and others are met by a method comprisinga device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum containerand the vacuum container being mounted on a mobile platform which may bemounted to a mobile vehicle. A powered mobile vehicle may provide powerto operate the platform mounted equipment or a power source may bemounted on the mobile platform. It is common for powered mobile vehiclessuch as a skid steer, which includes a zero turn radius vehicle, a forklift, a front loader or the like to have quick connects for attachingplatform mounted equipment and to have quick connects for attachinghydraulic hoses and for supplying power to platform mounted equipment.

A vacuum container may be mounted at a sufficient incline angle to allowdebris to be emptied out by gravity and to provide space beneath thedebris tank to locate a water storage container and may have a vacuumconduit to transport liquid or solids into the vacuum container. Adispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from thevacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within thevacuum container, and a vacuum container may have the ability to fill,store and dispense its contents simultaneously. The vacuum container mayfurther comprise a means to separate a liquid from solids. A vacuumconduit boom may be used to transport debris into the vacuum containerand may have the added feature of being an articulated powered vacuumconduit boom with sufficient structural strength to allow an operator toremotely move and control the location of the suction end of the vacuumconduit. An articulated boom may be mounted on the mobile platform andmay have one or more tool attachment means adjacently mounted to theboom and said attached tools are selected from the group consisting ofan earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor tolocate buried utilities, monitors and controls to operate theattachments an their function, a water spray nozzle, a manhole coverremover, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool, asurface cleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractor topull vacuum hose, a jetter hose reel, a jetter nozzle, or a camera andpower source to operate them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a vacuum container according to a first embodiment of theinvention having both liquid and solid dispensers and means disposedwithin the container to separate liquids from solids.

FIG. 2 shows a side elevation of a vacuum container according to asecond embodiment of the invention using a screen cylinder to separateliquids from solids and having a pump dispenser disposed within thescreen and having a vibrator attached to the screen. Purification meansare disposed within the vacuum container to remove contaminants from theliquids or solids. Purification means 55, hydrocarbon absorbing means 56and sterilization means 57 are shown disposed within the vacuumcontainer although they can be attached to the container or conduits.Purification, hydrocarbon absorbs ion or sterilization means may chosenfrom, but are not limited to, zealite, ozone or activated carbon orultra violet light or phasing or ultra sonic or chlorine or peat ordiatomasious earth.

FIG. 3 shows a vacuum container and liquid dispenser according to thesecond embodiment of the invention using a powered boom to articulatethe vacuum conduit with vacuum conduit suction end attachments, sensors& controls.

FIG. 4 shows a vacuum container with liquid and solid dispensersaccording to a third embodiment of the invention using an articulatedvacuum and jetter boom to reach into a lateral line of a drain pipe. Avacuum conduit tractor is shown pulling a vacuum conduit & the tractoris shown with a rotating vacuum nozzle, controls, light and camera. Ajetter is also shown loosening debris to be vacuumed. The vacuumcontainer is shown to separate solids & liquids. The liquid is shown tobe dispensed and recycled. The solids are shown to be ground to asmaller size, and transported to a mobile container.

FIG. 5 shows a mobile platform mounted to a skid steer, and mounted onthe mobile platform is a vacuum container, a vacuum producing means, awater container, a water pump, a vacuum conduit, a water conduit and awater spray nozzle shown to be jetting water in order to looseningearthen material for the vacuum conduit to vacuum up, thus excavating anaccess to a utility. In this example no engine is shown mounted to themobile platform because a skid steer by customary design supplieshydraulic power to attached platform mounted equipment. This arrangementof the invention illustrates an inclined slope vacuum container with aliquid storage container mounted under the slope of the vacuum tank.Both solid and liquid dispensers are shown according to a fourthembodiment of the invention. The vacuum unit is mounted on a platformand is shown being moved by a skid steer. The liquid is shown to berecycled and the solids are shown to be dispensed.

FIG. 6 shows a vacuum container according to the fourth embodiment ofthe invention mounted on a zero turn radius vehicle using a poweredarticulating vacuum conduit boom with telescoping conduit and earthdigging bucket. The vacuum conduit is shown with the telescoping sectionof the vacuum conduit extended, and a liquid spray nozzle or airpressure nozzle is shown to be loosening the earth so it can bevacuumed. The earth digging bucket is shown in the retracted position.An earth penetrating sensor is shown mounted on the bucket.

FIG. 7 shows an articulating vacuum conduit boom with multiple sectionsreaching into a drainage pipe lateral line to loosen & vacuum debrisfrom the drainage pipe. A telescoping means is used to assist inreaching in the lateral line.

FIG. 8 shows an inclined slope vacuum container supported by a liquidstorage container mounted under the slope of the vacuum tank. A filterhousing containing filters is shown mounted adjacent to the debris tank.A single door is shown to access both the filter house and the debristank simultaneously. A solids liquid vibrating screen separator is shownmounted to the debris tank portion of the access door. A poweredtelescoping cylinder or linear actuator is shown to open or close theaccess door. A powered articulating vacuum boom is shown with a manholecover removal attachment. An RFID tag is shown to be positioned within avalve access box and adjacent to an in ground valve. The RFID tag mayhave identification date stored on it and when the RFID tag is activatedit may serve as a transmitter for locating and identifying the in groundutility valve and casement. An RFID antenna is shown to be positioned onthe boom arm attachment tool. The RFID antenna may be used foractivating the RFID tag and may be used for locating and gathering datafrom the RFID tag.

FIG. 9 Shows a cross sectional view of an earth excavator digging a holein the earth using a vacuum container mounted on a zero-turn radiusvehicle & having a solids and liquid separation and unloading means. TheVacuum container is shown connected to an articulated vacuum conduitboom with an earth digging bucket attached in the retracted position. Atelescoping section of the vacuum conduit is shown in the extendedposition vacuuming dirt that has been by water sprayed from a liquidspray nozzle which is shown mounted in the outside circumference of anindention in the suction end of the vacuum conduit. The indentionreduces the size of solid that can enter the vacuum conduit, thusreducing the frequency of solids being clogged in the vacuum conduit.The earth excavator is shown to be convertible between a zero turnradius vehicle and a towable trailer. The excavator is shown in theexcavating configuration. With the spreader blade being used as a jack.The debris access door is shown opening by a powered telescopingcylinder which in turn moves the pull bars and dried dirt out of thevacuum tank.

FIG. 10 Shows the earth excavator in the towing configuration as atrailer attached behind a truck. The trailer hitch has been towered &the swivel front wheels have been raised. The articulated vacuum boomhas been configured into a stored position and the combination dirtpushing blade and jack has been raised.

FIG. 11 is the same as FIG. 5 except that the vacuum tank is not shownto have the internal solids/liquid separator option. The vacuumcontainer 12 is still shown as mounted on platform 31 which in turn isattached to the lifting arm 78 of skid steer 74 via a standard type skidsteer quick connect attachment fastener 77.

FIG. 12 is shown as a side view of a platform mounted machine which isshown attached to a skid steer and uses the hydraulic power supply fromthe skid steer in order to power the platform mounted equipment and inthis case three equipment systems are shown to be mounted on a singleplatform; a vacuum excavation system, a water jettering system, and anarticulated boom with a torque wrench mounted on one end the boom arm.An electronic monitoring system is with sensors, GPS, RFID, camera, datalogging, PLC controls and wireless communication are illustrated inorder to show the systems ability to gather and store data by measuringphysical quantities, converting the measurement to a signal and send thedata to a data logger and or a PLC. The FIG. 13 is shown as a plan viewexample of a platform mounted machine which can be attached to a skidsteer, which includes a front loader, fork lift, zero turn radiusvehicle, or the like, that has a hydraulic power supply which may beconnected to a platform mounted hydraulic drive motor. The hydraulichoses with hydraulic quick connects 84 are shown as the means foraccessing the hydraulic power supply from the host vehicle in order topower the platform mounted equipment and in this case three equipmentsystems are shown to be mounted on a single platform; a vacuumexcavation system, a water jettering system, and an articulated boomwith a torque wrench mounted on one end the boom arm.

FIG. 14 is shown as a side view example of a mobile equipment means forservicing and repairing in ground utilities. The mobile equipment meansillustrated in this example is a mobile platform which is connected to afront loader skid steer type vehicle. The mobile platform is illustratedto have multiple utility servicing systems mounted on it, which includea vacuum excavator system, a water jetter system, and a pivot ablymounted articulated boom arm with a torque wrench utility servicing toolmounted on it. In this example the torque wrench is being used toexercise an in ground utility valve. The torque wrench may be used toloosen valve seats, bolts or the like. The mobile platform mountedsystems are also illustrated to include process control and datadocumentation sensors to measure the physical quantities of the serviceor repair operation. A data logger, a PLC, an RFID, a camera, a GPS, autility mapping program and wireless communication are illustrated asbeing used for documenting, controlling, displaying and storing datarelated to a utility servicing or repair operation or the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Using the drawings, the present invention will now be explained.

FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment of the invention, being one example ofvarious possible arrangements of apparatus within a vacuum container 12for the purpose of accomplishing a method of separating solids 6 orliquids 2 by predetermined category and then dispensing said solids 6 orliquids 2 using a dispensing means 1 without eliminating the vacuumenvironment within the vacuum container 12. In FIG. 1, the apparatus ofthe present invention include a vacuum container 12, a vacuum producingmeans 11, a conduit 13 to allow air to move from vacuum container 12 tovacuum producing means 11, a second conduit 14 dispenses air from thevacuum producing means 11. Vacuum container 12 has an access door 18having a hinge 20 and a latching means 19. Solids 6 or liquids 2 arevacuumed into vacuum container 12 by means of a vacuum conduit 17. InFIG. 1, the ground 35 is earthen dirt. Liquid 2, which has been storedin container 8, is pumped by pump 7 through pump discharge conduit 5 toa spray nozzle 26. The pressurized liquid 2 dislodges and emulsifies theground 35 so it becomes vacuum able. The vacuum able ground 35 andliquid 2 are vacuumed through conduit 17 and into vacuum container 12.The solids 6 and liquids 2 fall onto a screen 21 which is vibrated byvibrator 23. Screen 21 is mounted on springs 22 which are supported bysupport means 24. Liquid 2 passes through screen 21 and is dispensedfrom the vacuum container 12 by means of a liquid dispenser means 1which is shown as a rotary void style in this example. The solids 6which are too large to pass through the vibrating screen 21 are vibratedto a solids dispensing means 10 which in this example is a rotary voidstyle dispenser. The solids 6 are dispensed into solids conveyor 49. Thevacuum container 12 is supported by a pivot arm 28 and a cylinder 29which may be extended to dump contents out of container access door 18.The above system is mounted on a mobile platform 31 with wheels 30. FIG.1 is shown excavating ground 35 in order to locate a utility 15 withoutdoing damage to said utility 15.

In a second embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, thescreen 21 is formed in the shape of a cylinder. The solids 6 and liquids2 which are vacuumed through conduit 17, are deposited into vacuumcontainer 12 around the vibrated screen well 21. The solids 6 whichcannot pass through the screen well 21, remain in the vacuum container12 to be dumped out through access door 18 when it is opened andcylinder 29 is extended. Liquid 2 passes through screen 21 thusdewatering the solids 6 which remain in vacuum container 12. Liquid 2,which passes through screen 21, is dispensed from vacuum container 12 bymeans of liquid dispenser 1, which in this example is a pump. The liquid2 passes through conduit 16 and into hydro cyclone 25 where the solids 6and liquid 2 separation is further refined. The solids 6 are dischargedthrough solids discharge conduit 4 into vacuum container 12 and liquidsare discharged through conduit 3 which discharges into a liquid 2storage container 8 thus providing a method to reclaim and recyclevacuumed liquids 2. Purification elements 55 such as ozone, activatedcarbon or zealite, hydrocarbon absorbing means 56 and a sterilizationmeans 57 is located within the vacuum container 12. in order to purify,sterilize or remove hydrocarbons from the liquids 2 or solids 6 as theypass through vacuum container 12. The sterilization means 57, orpurification means 55 or hydrocarbon means 56 may also be disposedwithin the suction conduit 17 or dispensing conduit 16, or dispensingmeans 1 or 10.

FIG. 3 has the added features of a boom means 36 being a powered mobileboom to articulate the movement of vacuum conduit 17 and articulatedboom 36 attachments 32 which may consist of cutters, a demolition means,a surface grinders, a cleaners, an air jets, a water jets, a scoop, atorque wrench or the like. Utility location sensors 33 withmonitor/controller means 34 are shown to assist in locating andaccessing a utility 15 buried under ground 35 which may consist of dirt,stone, asphalt, concrete or a combination there of. The system of FIG. 3is shown to also be recycling the liquid 2 as it locates, uncovers oravoids a utility 15.

In a third embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the solids 6 arepassed through a solids grinder 27 in order to reduce the solids 6 sizeto a predetermined size before being dispensed by a solids dispenser 10which in this example is a progressive cavity screw. The dispensedsolids are collected in solids receiver container 9 to be hauled off.The liquid 2 is shown being dispensed by liquid dispenser means 1, whichin this example is a diaphragm pump. The recycled liquid 2 is pumpedthrough hose reel 37 by transfer pump 7 to a water jetter 39 spraying awater jet 40, thus cleaning drain pipe 38 with recycled water as itmoves.

The recycled liquid 2 along with solids 6 washed from drain pipe 38 arevacuumed up by the vacuum conduit 17 which is shown as an articulatedpowered vacuum conduit boom 36. The articulated powered boom 36 also hasmeans to place the jetter 39 into location down a manhole 59 and into alateral drainage conduit 38 and dispense the jetter conduit 58. In thisexample, telescoping cylinder 41 is used to articulate the vacuumconduit boom 36 and jetter 39. Vacuum boom structure 44 allows thevacuum conduit 17 to be rigid enough to move, support weight and forcein order to articulate and operate attachments such as the vacuumconduit tractor 51 which is articulated into a starting position by thevacuum conduit boom 36. Vacuum conduit powered tractor 51 then movesvacuum conduit 17 to debris 45 to be vacuumed. Vacuum hose reel 54unreels and retracts vacuum hose 17 as needed. Vacuum conduit tractor 51can have a sensor controller means 52 attached so as to monitor andcontrol the vacuuming process. Vacuum conduit tractor 51 can also befitted with an articulating suction head means 53, which allows thevacuum conduit tractor to access debris 45 in multiple degrees. Althoughthe articulating boom 36 is shown vacuuming debris from a drain pipe,said vacuum conduit boom 36 works equally well vacuuming substances fromrailcars, barges, tankers, silos, or shavings and dung from the barn andstables.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5, & 6 thecontainer 12 is placed on an inclined slope which also creates alocation beneath vacuum container 12 to locate a water storage container8, thus providing a compact vacuum container with a water tank 8 below.The vacuum container 12 having an inclined screen 21, which continues asa portion of the solids dispenser 10 hopper. In this example, the solidsdispenser 10 is in the form of a screw conveyor. Liquid 2, which passesthrough the screen 21, is dispensed by liquid dispenser 1, which in thisembodiment is shown as a pump.

In FIG. 5, the vacuum system and water jettering system is skid mounted31 and is connected 77 to a skid steer 74. FIG. 5 shows a mobileplatform 31 mounted to a skid steer 74. Mounted on the mobile platform31 is a vacuum container 12, a vacuum producing means 11, a watercontainer 8, a water pump 7, a vacuum conduit 17, a water conduit 5 anda water spray nozzle 26 shown to be jetting water 2 in order toloosening earthen material 35 for the vacuum conduit 17 to vacuum up tothe vacuum container 12, thus excavating an access to a utility 15. Inthis vacuum system, the vacuum producing means 11 discharges air toatmosphere through conduit 14 and receives air from container 12 viaconduit 13 thus creating a vacuum environment within container 12. Asshown in drawing 4, a filter housing 64 having an air filter 65 may beplaced between the vacuum producing means 11 and the vacuum container12. The air filter 65 removes solids from the air in order to protectvacuum producing means 11 from abrasion. Vacuum conduit 17 is shown tohave a first end mounted to vacuum container 12 and a second end, beingthe suction end of the vacuum hose 17, is positioned near earthenmaterial 6 which is to be vacuumed up and air conveyed through vacuumconduit 17 and into vacuum container 12. The vacuum container 12 isshown to be mounted at an inclined angle, however it can be any shapeand mounted horizontal as shown in drawing 4 or be mounted vertical,which ever best fits the system configuration and efficiency. As shownin FIG. 6 the suction end of conduit 17 may have an indention 75adjacent to the second end of conduit 17 for the purpose of restrictingsolids 6 from entering the vacuum hose 17 if the solid 6 is large enoughto get clogged inside vacuum conduit 17. FIG. 6 and FIG. 11 show an airinlet hole 87 in the side of and near the suction end of vacuum conduit17. The air inlet hole 87 may be added near the suction end of conduit17 for the purpose of insuring that air is continually available to flowthrough the vacuum hose 17, thus insuring that the air conveying processis not interrupted thus causing the solids 6 to stop moving and thusclog up the inside of conduit 17. The air inlet hole 87 makes airavailable to flow through vacuum conduit 17 even if the suction end ofthe vacuum conduit 17 is clogged. The air inlet hole 87 may be used inconjunction with the vacuum conduit 17 suction end restriction 75. Thediameter of air inlet hole 87 may be sized to balance air volume vs.desired inches of Hg. vacuum to be maintained within vacuum conduit 17while air conveying solids. As Shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 13, the vacuumhose 17 may be placed on a vacuum hose reel 17 and mounted eitherhorizontally or vertical and may use a rotary joint to support and allowthe vacuum conduit to be used while being partially rolled up on it'shose reel 54. The hose reel 54 may be hand rotated or rotated by amotor. Sensors 94 may be used to measure the vacuum in inches of Hg, thelength of vacuum hose 17 that is extended, and the torque applied to thevacuum hose reel 54 motor in order to rewind the hose reel.

The water jettering system as shown in example FIG. 5 stores water 2 ina water container 8 which serves as a water supply for water pump 7. Awater conduit hose 5 has a first end attached to the water pump 7 andhas a second end attached to a water spray nozzle 26. The orificearrangement and orifice size of water spray nozzle 26 affect the sprayedwater 2 volume, pressure and direction. The sprayed water 2 may be usedfor cutting through earthen material 35, or making a slurry of theearthen material 35 so it becomes vacuum able. As shown in FIG. 5 thecombined use of the water jettering system and the vacuum system allowsan operator to excavate an access hole to a buried utility 15. FIG. 4illustrates the combined use of the water jettering system and thevacuum system in order to allow an operator to cut through a cloggeddrainage pipe 38 and vacuum the debris 45 and earthen material 35 fromthe drainage pipe 38.

In the FIG. 5 example, no engine is shown mounted to the mobile platformbecause a skid steer by customary design may supplies hydraulic power toattached platform 31 mounted equipment.

FIG. 11 is the same as FIG. 5 except that the vacuum tank is not shownto have the internal solids 6/liquid 2 separator option. The vacuumcontainer 12 is shown as mounted on platform 31 which in turn isconnected to the lifting arm 78 of skid steer 74 via a predeterminedskid steer quick connect type attachment fastener 77.

FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 5 in that it illustrates a mobile platform 31being mounted to a skid steer 74 and having a vacuum system and a waterjettering system mounted as a part of the mobile platform 31. FIG. 12also illustrates an articulated boom 36 having a telescoping arm 86 andan auxiliary tool 32. The auxiliary tool 32, in FIG. 12 is an example ofa torque wrench and is shown to be rotate ably mounted to a second endof the telescoping arm 86 of the articulated boom 36. The articulatedboom is shown to be rotate ably mounted to a vertical support means ofthe mobile platform 31. In FIG. 13 the rotate ably mounted articulatedboom 36 is shown with a telescoping arm 86 having a mounting means 85for attaching auxiliary tools 32. A vacuum hose reel 54 is shown to be apart of the mobile platform 31 vacuum system. The skid steer 74 is shownto be supplying hydraulic power, in the form of hydraulic fluid underpressure, to the vacuum system and the water jettering system via thehydraulic hoses and hydraulic hose quick connects 84. The pressurizedhydraulic fluid powers a hydraulic motor 83 which is illustrated in theplan view of FIG. 13. The hydraulic motor 83 is shown to be mounted toan over hung load adapter 82. The shaft of the over hung load adapter 82is shown in FIG. 13 to be supporting a pulley 80. FIG. 12 & FIG. 13 bothillustrate the multi grove pulley 80 using a belt 81 to transfer powerto a clutch mounted pulley 79. In the example of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 thewater pump 7 is powered by a clutch mounted pulley 79 and the vacuumproducing means 11 is powered by a clutch mounted pulley 79. The clutchmounted pulley 79 can be activated by a 12 or 24 volt D.C. electricbattery supply. An electric clutch mounted pulley system 79 makes ituser friendly for an operator to flip a switch in order to turn a waterjettering system or a vacuum system on or off. The pressurized hydraulicfluid supplied by the skid steer may also be used to power the torquewrench 32 which is shown in FIG. 12. The mobile platform 31 mountedpressurized hydraulic fluid system may also include flow dividers,electric operated solenoid valves, metering valves and restrictiveorifices as needed to regulate the flow rate, the direction of traveland the pressure of the pressurized hydraulic fluid. The function of thehydraulic system may be operated by wireless remote controlcommunication via the transmitter/receiver 88 as can the functions ofthe vacuum system and the water jetter system. The electric solenoidvalves, and electric relay switches are wired in communication with thewireless communication transmitter/receiver 88, thus an operator may usea hand held 95 transmitter/receiver to communicate wirelessly with themobile platform 31 mounted transmitter/receiver 88. For example awirelessly operated electric relay switch coupled to a clutch 79 willallow an operator to remotely power the clutch 79, or an electric linearactuator 63, or an electric solenoid operated valve. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13illustrate an efficient example for using a single hydraulic motor 83 tobelt drive one or more systems onboard the mobile platform 31. Themobile platform 31 mounted pressurized hydraulic fluid system may alsoinclude a circuit for attaching and powering hydraulic hand tools suchas a hydraulic driver jack hammer, a hydraulic driven submergible waterpump, a hydraulic driven ground rod driver, a hydraulic driven saw, orthe like.

The vacuum container 12 has an access opening for emptying solids 6 orliquid 2. An access door 18 is opened or closed by means of a poweredtelescoping cylinder 63, and the powered telescoping cylinder 63 may bechosen from an electric powered linear actuator and a hydraulic poweredcylinder.

FIG. 6 illustrates an earth excavator which can alternate between theuse of vacuum excavation & bucket 43 excavation. This is illustrated inthis example by a vacuum container 12, with its components, mobileplatform 31 mounted on a zero turn radius vehicle. An articulatedpowered vacuum conduit boom 36 is also platform 31 mounted to the zeroturn radius vehicle. The articulated powered vacuum conduit 17 boom 36is constructed with sufficient strength to mount & operate an earthdigging bucket 43 adjacent to the suction end of the vacuum conduit 17.The added means of a telescoping 42 section of vacuum conduit 17extended to vacuum excavate or may be retracted to allow use of a bucket43 for digging. The suction end of the telescoping 42 vacuum conduit 17is shown to have a liquid spray nozzle 26 attached to the outercircumference of an indention 75 in the suction end of the vacuumconduit 17. The indention serves both to restrict the size of a solidentering vacuum conduit 17 to a size too small to get clogged in theconduit 17 & to serves as a location to mount the spray nozzle 26 at anorientation which will aim the s liquid 2 spray in a direction whichwill loosen & emulsify the earth 35 located at the suction end entranceof vacuum conduit 17. Controller 34 represents the sensors & monitorsused to automate the sequencing of the articulation of the vacuumconduit boom 36 into location, the locating of utilities 15 by earthpenetrating utility sensor 33, and the selection between & sequencingbetween earth digging bucket 43 & telescoping 42 vacuum conduit 17 &liquid spray nozzle 26. In this illustration a liquid spray nozzle 26 isshown to be used to loosen the dirt, but an air pressure nozzle may besubstituted for the liquid spray nozzle 26 to loosen dirt thus making itvacuum able. A liquid 2 supply conduit 5 is shown to be mounted adjacentto the vacuum conduit 17 boom 36.

FIG. 8 shows a vacuum boring & mud recovery system similar to FIG. 6preparing to clean a drainage pipe 38. A manhole cover 46 is beingremoved to gain access to the drainage pipe 38 by a manhole cover 46removal attachment 47 mounted to the articulated powered vacuum conduitboom 36. A conduit 48 supplies power to the manhole cover removalattachment means 47. The manhole cover removal attachment means 47 maybe an electro magnet, a suction cup or a mechanical attachment means. AnRFID tag 90 is shown to be positioned within a valve access box 59 andadjacent to an in ground utility valve 98. The RFID tag 90 may haveidentification date stored on it and when the RFID tag 90 is activatedit may serve as a transmitter for locating and identifying the in groundutility valve 98 and casement 59. The RFID tag 90 may be attachedadjacent to the utility valve 98 valve stem 99 for the purpose ofstoring and transmitting identification data associated with the valveand for serving as an electronic beacon for locating the valve stem 99.The RFID tag 90 may be attached to or imbedded in an attachment meansfor coupling to the utility valve 98 such as a common 2 inch squarevalve stem 99 adapter used for coupling the valve stem 99 to a valveopening tool such as the common tee handle or torque wrench 32 valveexerciser tool. Sensors 94 may be positioned adjacent to a utility valve98 or a utility 15 repair area to detect a leak and the leak detectionsensor 94 may communicate with the RFID tag 90 thus storing data on theRFID tag 90 for the purpose of documenting a leak occurrence and thetime and duration of a leak occurrence. In a similar manner, a sensor 94may communicate temperature, flow, pressure or the like. An RFID antenna91 is shown to be positioned on the boom arm 36 attachment tool 47. TheRFID antenna 91 may be used for activating the RFID tag 90 and may beused for locating and gathering data from the RFID tag 90. FIG. 8represents a fifth embodiment of the vacuum container 2 showing thevacuum container 2 mounted on an inclined slope, supported by a liquidcontainer 8 located beneath the incline of the vacuum container 12, andmounted on a generic mobile platform. The inclined angle is sufficientto allow the contents of the vacuum container to be removed by gravitywhen the door 18 is opened thus letting the solids or liquid empty bygravity through the vacuum container 12 access opening. A filter housing64 having air filters disposed within it, is shown mounted adjacent tothe vacuum container 12 in a configuration to allow simultaneous accessto it & the debris tank 12 by a single door 12. A powered telescopingcylinder 63, chosen from a linear actuator or hydraulic, or air cylinderis shown mounted within the vacuum container 12 and to the access door18. This telescoping cylinder 63 opens or closes the access door 18. Avibrating screen 21 is shown mounted to the access door 18 in thisillustration. Mounting the vibrating screen 21 solids 6 liquids 2separator to the access door 18 allows improved access for emptying &cleaning.

FIG. 7 shows an articulated powered jetter boom 60 having multiple boomsections 50 attached to a mobile platform. The boom 60 is shownloosening debris 45 from a drain pipe 38. Telescoping jetter conduit 61provides extension of water jetter's reach. Rotary structural supportmeans 44 provide swivel and rotating means.

FIG. 9 Shows a cross sectional view of an vacuum boring & mood recoveryunit digging a hole in the earth 35 using a vacuum container 12 andplatform 31 mounted on a zero-turn radius vehicle & having a solids 6and liquid 2 separation means being a vibrating screen 21 and solidsunloading drag bar 62 means. The Vacuum container 12 is shown connectedto an vacuum conduit 17 articulated boom 36 with an earth digging bucket43 attached in the retracted position. A telescoping section 42 of thevacuum conduit 17 is shown in the extended position vacuuming dirt 6that has been emulsified by water 2 sprayed from a liquid spray nozzle26 which is shown mounted in the outside circumference of an indention75 in the suction end of the vacuum conduit 17. The indention reducesthe size of solid 6 that can enter the vacuum conduit 17, thus reducingthe frequency of solids 6 being clogged in the vacuum conduit 17. Theearth excavator is shown to be converted from a self propelled zero turnradius vehicle to a towable trailer, by using the scrapper blade 66 as ajack to raise the front swivel wheels 68 of the ground 35. As shown inFIG. 10 the front swivel wheels 68 may be raised and the tow bar tongue67 may be lowered thus readying the unit for towing as shown in FIG. 10.The excavator is shown in the excavating configuration. With thespreader blade 66 being used as a jack to sturdy the machine whiledigging. The debris access door 18 is shown opening by a poweredtelescoping cylinder 63 which in turn moves the pull bars 62 and drieddirt 6 out of the vacuum tank 12. In this illustration the water tank 8and the power plant 76 which may include an engine, hydraulic motor,vacuum pump, air compressor, water pump, muffler or controls, are bothpositioned beneath the slope of the inclined slope vacuum container 12thus creating an even more compact vacuum boring & mud recovery systemwith an even greater concentration of weight. The water tank 8 in FIGS.8,9 & 10 are shown supporting the vacuum container 12. The operatorcontrols the device from the operator seat 73. Control center 34includes means to control solids 6 liquid 2 separation & recycling,functions of excavation, location & avoidance of utilities, mapping ofwork area, recording of performance.

FIG. 10 shows the device in towing position behind a towing vehicle 70.

It is recognized that while each of the figures show different types ofvacuum methods, vacuum booms, vacuum container arrangements, differenttypes of solid or liquid separation and dispensing, and different typesof vehicles, the various apparatuses are interchangeable and can replaceone another. Further more, although some of the articulated poweredbooms are shown with vacuum containers having liquid or soliddispensers, it is recognized that the articulated powered boom and its'attached tools can be used alone or in conjunction with any type ofvacuum system arrangement.

FIG. 14 is shown as a side view example of a mobile equipment means forservicing and repairing in ground utilities 15. The mobile equipmentmeans illustrated in this example is a mobile platform 31 which isconnected to a front loader skid steer 74 type vehicle. The mobileplatform 31 is illustrated to have multiple utility servicing systemsmounted on it, which include a vacuum excavator system, a water jettersystem, and a pivot ably mounted articulated boom arm 36 with a torquewrench utility servicing tool 32 mounted on it. In this example thetorque wrench 32 is being used to exercise an in ground utility valve 98via an extension rod 100 which is shown to couple the valve stem 99 tothe torque wrench 32. The torque wrench 32 may be used to loosen valveseats, bolts or the like. Camera 96 is illustrated as videoing theservicing of the utility valve 98. The water jettering system isillustrated as supplying water 2 to a spray nozzle 26 for the purpose ofimproving the vacuum ability of earthen material 35. The vacuumexcavation system is illustrated as vacuuming up the earthen material 35thus creating an access opening to an in ground utility 15. The mobileplatform 31 mounted systems are also illustrated to include processcontrol and data documentation sensors 89 to measure the physicalquantities of the service or repair operation. A data logger 92, a PLC93, an RFID 90, a camera 96, a GPS signal receiver 89, a utility mappingprogram 97 and wireless communication via antenna 88 are illustrated asbeing used for documenting, controlling, displaying and storing datarelated to a utility servicing or repair operation or the like. A handheld PDA 95 is shown to give a person access to remotely control, gatherdata and monitor the servicing and repair event. The person wishing touse the PDA 95 is shown to first activate the PDA 95 by means of apersonalized RFID tag 90. PDA 95 activation occurs when the personplaces his RFID tag 95 in communication with the RFID antenna. The PDA95 will be activated provided that the persons RFID tag is programmed toactivate the system. In this way the PDA 95 protected from persons notauthorized to use or operate the PDA 95. Use of the RFID tag 95 alsodocuments personal data regarding who is using the system, what he usedit for and for what period of time. The described RFID system is alsoillustrated as mounted to the mobile platform 31 controller 34. The PDA95 or the controller 34 are also illustrated to receive data fromsensors 89 which measure physical quantities such as pressure,temperature, or flow of air, liquid, and solids, as well as measuringspeed, counting rotations, measuring distance, counting time, measuringvoltage, locate buried utilities and the like. The sensors 89 may sendtheir data to a data logger 92 and or a PLC 93 which in turn may storethe data display it on a monitor screen for viewing by a person, use thedata for process control, or generate archives of charts, graphs, anduseful information formats for future evaluation such as storing theinformation onto a utility mapping program 97. The utility mappingprogram 97 is illustrated as being displayed on the hand held devise 95.A GPS signal receiver 89 is illustrated as being used for receiving datafrom GPS satellites in order to document the latitude, longitude,elevation, time and or date that a utility service was performed. TheGPS 89 data may be stored onto a data logger 92, a PLC 93 and a utilitymapping program 97. Thus the mobile utility servicing machine asillustrated in FIG. 14 can access an in ground utility 15 with outmechanically damaging the utility 15, perform a service on a utilityvalve 98, and document who did the service, the physical location of theservice, when the service started, what took place during the serviceevent, when the service was completed, how the service event effectedthe overall utility system, update the utility data storage archives,and generate reports to those with a need to know. The system may alsogenerate pictures and video of the service work.

The preceding description has been presented to illustrate and describethe invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The sample embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical application. The precedingdescription is intended to enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope of the invention be defined by the followingclaims.

# DEFINITION

-   1—Dispensing means-   2—Liquid-   3—Liquid Discharge conduit from Hydro cyclone 25-   4—Solids Discharge conduit from Hydro cyclone 25-   5—Discharge conduit from Liquid transfer pump 7-   6—Solids-   7—Liquid Transfer pump-   8—Container to hold dispensed liquids-   9—Container to hold dispensed solids-   10—Solids dispenser-   11—Vacuum producing means-   12—Vacuum container-   13—Conduit to connect Vacuum container 12—vacuum producing means 11-   14—Discharge conduit from Vacuum producing means 11-   15—In ground Utility such as a pipe, a valve or a tee-   16—Inlet conduit to Hydro cyclone 25-   17—Vacuum conduit-   18—End door to Vacuum container 12-   19—Means to secure end door 18-   20—Hinge for End door 18-   21—Screen-   22—Spring on Screen 21-   23—Vibrator-   24—Support for Springs 22-   25—Hydro cyclone-   26—Liquid spray nozzle-   27—Grinder-   28—Pivot support for Vacuum container 12-   29—Cylinder to Raise and Lower Vacuum Container 12-   30—Wheels-   31—Mobile Platform—a moveable or transportable surface which may be    used to support things-   32—Attachment tools—a tool which may be attached to something. Such    as a tool that is attached to a boom arm-   33—Utility Sensor—an earth penetrating means for locating a buried    utility-   34—Monitor and/or Controller, which may include but not be limited    to a GPS signal receiver, an RFID, a data logger, a PLC, a sensor, a    wireless transmitter, a touch-screen interface, a phone, interne    connection, a camera, or the like.-   35—Ground Surface being dirt, asphalt, stone, or concrete-   36—Articulated boom-   37—Hose Reel-   38—Drain Conduit-   39—Jetter-   40—Water Jet-   41—Means to power the Articulating Vacuum Boom-   42—Telescoping Vacuum conduit-   43—Digging Bucket-   44—Structural Means to Support and Articulate Vacuum Conduit-   45—Debris-   46—Manhole Cover-   47—Means to Remove Manhole Cover such as Electric Magnet, suction,    mechanical fastener-   48—Power to Manhole Cover removal means 47-   49—Solids Conveyer-   50—Boom Section-   51—Vacuum conduit Tractor-   52—Vacuum conduit Tractor Sensor, Controller, Camera, or light-   53—Vacuum conduit Tractor Articulating Suction Head-   54—Vacuum Hose Reel-   55—Purification Elements such as ozone, activated carbon or zealite-   56—Hydro carbon Absorbing means-   57—Sterilization means-   58—Jetter Hose-   59—Man Hole-   60—Articulating Jetter Boom-   61—Telescoping Jetter Conduit-   62—Solids Debris Drag Bar-   63—Telescoping Rear Door Closure means-   64—Filter Housing-   65—Filter-   66—Scraper Blade/Jack-   67—Pivot able Towing Tongue-   68—Pivot able/Swivel Wheels-   69—Pivot Axle for Combination Tongue 67 and Wheels 68-   70—Towing Vehicle-   71—Boom Platform-   72—Hydraulic Drive Motor-   73—Operator Seat-   74—Skid Steer type vehicle—a skid steer is a vehicle maneuvered by    skid steering, a method of steering through braking or engaging    tracks or wheels on one side of a vehicle. The skid steering vehicle    is turned by generating differential velocity at the opposite side    of the vehicle, as the wheels or tracks are non-steer able (fixed    position). Skid steers can pivot steer which is the ability to    change direction on the same place without going through any    distance in forward or reverse direction. A zero turn radius vehicle    and a skid loader are also a skid steer.-   75—Indention in the suction end if the vacuum conduit 17-   76—Power Plant-   77—a standard predetermined type skid steer quick connect type    receiving attachment fastener means for connecting implements to a    skid steer-   78—Lifting arm-   79—Clutch-   80—Drive Pulley-   81—Drive Belt-   82—Over Hung Load Adapter-   83—Hydraulic motor-   84—Hydraulic supply hoses-   85—Attachment means to attach tools 32 to articulated boom arm 36-   86—Telescoping section of a boom arm-   87—Air inlet hole-   88—(Wireless communication) is the transfer of information over a    distance without the use of electrical conductors or wires. It    includes antennas for transmitting and receiving information.-   89—(GPS)—is any devise that receives Global Positioning System    signals thus the devise may be known as a GPS signal receiver. The    GPS signals include data which is use full to locate a present    location, which may include time, latitude, longitude and elevation.    The GPS signal receiver system may be hand held or mounted on the    platform 31.-   90—(RFID)—Radio-frequency identification is the use of an object    (typically referred to as an RFID tag) applied to, incorporated into    a product, or applied by a person for the purpose of identification    using radio waves. Most RFID tags contain at least two parts. One is    the integrated circuit for storing and processing information,    modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency (RF) signal, and other    specialized functions. There are generally three types of RFID tags,    which contain a battery and can transmit signals autonomously,    passive RFID tags, which have no battery and require an external    source to provoke signal transmission, and battery assisted passive    (BAP) which require an external source to wake up but have    significant higher forward link capacity providing great read range.    Item 90 RFID includes using the type RFID tag best suited for the    specific field application. The RFID tag may be hand held or mounted    on the platform 31. The RFID tag be mounted on a utility access    opening, a buried valve or the like for the purpose of finding and    or identifying the utility item.-   91—RFID antenna—for receiving and transmitting the signal. The RFID    antenna may be hand held or mounted on the platform 31.-   92—Data Logger—is an electronic devise that records data over time    or in relation to location either with a built in instrument or    sensor or via external instruments and sensors. Increasingly, but    not entirely, they are based on a digital processor (or computer).    The data logger may be small, battery operated, portable, or    equipped with a microprocessor, internal memory for data storage, or    sensors. The data logger may interface with a personal computer and    utilize software to activate the data logger and view and analyze    the collected data, or may have a local interface device (keypad,    LCD) and can be used as a stand-alone device. One of the benefits of    using the data logger is the ability to automatically collect data    even on a 24-hour 7-day bases. Upon activation, the data logger may    measure and record information for the duration of a monitoring    period. This allows an accurate picture of the conditions being    measured, such as RFID info.; GPS info.; hydraulic flow, pressure or    temperature; water flow, pressure or temperature; air flow, pressure    and temperature; evaluate process equipment system measurements    against predetermined conditions and standards. A USB flash memory    data storage device may be used for data storage. The data logger    may include or be coupled to a display and soft ware in order to    display gathered data in a meaningful, user friendly manor. The data    logger may be hand held or mounted on the platform 31.-   93—(PLC)—programmable logic controller—is a digital computer used    for automation of electromechanical processes, such as opening or    closing valves or turning switches on or off based or predetermined    measurements. A PLC is a real time system wherein output results are    produced in response to input conditions within a boundary time. The    PLC may be hand held or mounted on the platform 31.-   94—Sensor—a sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and    converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an    instrument such as a data logger, PLC or the like. Examples of a    sensor included but are not limited to a volt meter, an amp meter, a    flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a level    sensor, a speed sensor or the like.-   95—Hand held electronic device. Is an electronic device which may be    held in the hand of an operator. It may be a type of (PDA) Personal    Digital Assistant which may include but not be limited to a GPS    signal receiver, an RFID, a data logger, a PLC, a sensor, a wireless    transmitter, a touch-screen interface, a phone, internet connection,    a camera, or the like. It may be keep by the operator person or    stored on the mobile platform.-   96—Camera—is a device that records images, either as a still    photograph or as a moving image known as a video or movie. The    camera may work with the visual spectrum or with other portions of    the electromagnetic spectrum.-   97—Utility Mapping System to include a GIS Mapping system—A    Geological Information System captures, stores, analyzes, edits,    manages, displays and presents data that links to location. It    includes merging of cartography and database technology. A GIS is a    system which includes mapping software and its application to remote    sensing, land surveying, water utility piping system surveying,    aerial photography, mathematics, photogrammetry, geography, and    tools that can be implemented with GIS software.-   98—Utility Valve—generally an in ground water valve-   99—Valve stem—generally the portion of a valve which is turned in    order to open or close a valve.-   100—Valve stem extension rod—which may be telescoping.

1. A platform mounted, vacuum system for mounting to a skid steercomprising: a mobile platform; a connection means for connecting saidmobile platform to a skid steer; a vacuum container means for storingsolids or liquid; a vacuum producing means for creating a vacuumenvironment within said vacuum container; and a vacuum conduit means forconveying air, liquid or solids into said vacuum container; wherein saidvacuum container means, said vacuum producing means, said vacuum conduitmeans and said skid steer connection means are adjacently mounted onsaid mobile platform; whereby said mobile platform mounted vacuum systemmay be quick connected to said skid steer and said vacuum system may beused to vacuum up earthen materials.
 2. A platform mounted waterjettering system for mounting to a skid steer comprising: a mobileplatform; a connection means for connecting said mobile platform to askid steer; a water container; a water pump; a conduit means fortransporting water; and a hose reel; wherein said water container, saidwater pump, said conduit means for transporting water, said hose reeland said skid steer connection means are adjacently mounted on saidmobile platform; whereby said mobile platform mounted water jetteringsystem may be quick connected to said skid steer and said waterjettering system may be used for cutting through earthen material andcleaning drainage pipes.
 3. A platform mounted, articulated boom systemfor mounting to a skid steer comprising: a mobile platform; a connectionmeans for connecting said mobile platform to a skid steer; anarticulated boom having a first end and a second end; and said first endof said boom being pivot ably mounted on said mobile platform and saidsecond end of said articulated boom having an attachment means forattaching a tool; wherein said tool is selected from the groupconsisting of an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, asensor for locating a buried utility, a water spray nozzle, a manholecover remover, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool,a surface cleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractorto pull a vacuum hose, a jetter hose reel, a jetter nozzle, a monitor,controls to operate the attachments and their function, and a camera andpower source to operate it, whereby said platform system may be quickconnected to said skid steer and said skid steer can mobilize saidplatform mounted boom and said articulated boom may move said tool intoa position to service an in ground utility and said boom may secure saidtool in position as the service work is being performed.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein a water jettering system comprising awater container, a water pump, a conduit for transporting water, and ahose reel are adjacently mounted on said mobile platform; whereby saidwater jettering system may be used for loosening earthen material inorder to improve it's vacuum ability and the water jettering system maybe used for cutting through earthen material and cleaning drainagepipes.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, and further comprises anarticulated boom having a first end and a second end; said first end ofsaid articulated boom is pivot ably mounted adjacent to said mobileplatform and said second end of said articulated boom having anattachment means for mounting a tool; wherein said tool is selected fromthe group consisting of an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuumconduit, a sensor for locating a buried utility, a water spray nozzle, amanhole cover remover, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, ablasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torquewrench, a tractor to pull a vacuum hose, a jetter hose reel, a jetternozzle, a monitor, controls to operate the attachments an theirfunction, and a camera and power source to operate it.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein a water jettering system comprising a watercontainer, a water pump, a conduit for transporting water, and a hosereel are adjacently mounted on said mobile platform; whereby said waterjettering system may be used for loosening earthen material in order toimprove it's vacuum ability and the water jettering system may be usedfor cutting through earthen material and cleaning drainage pipes; andwherein said mobile platform further comprises an articulated boomhaving one or more articulated arms; and said boom having a first endand a second end; and said first end of said articulated boom is pivotably mounted adjacent to said mobile platform and said second end ofsaid articulated boom having an attachment means for mounting a tool;wherein said tool is selected from the group consisting of an earthdigging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor for locatingburied utilities, a water spray nozzle, a manhole cover remover, acutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool, a surfacecleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractor to pullvacuum hose, a jetter hose reel, a jetter nozzle, a monitor, controls tooperate the attachments and their function, and a camera and powersource to operate it; whereby said mobile platform systems may be usedto service in ground utilities.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid vacuum producing means is powered by a hydraulic motor and saidhydraulic motor is adjacently mounted on said mobile platform, wherebysaid hydraulic motor is powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid which issupplied from said skid steer via hydraulic hoses which flow hydraulicfluid from said skid steer to said hydraulic motor and then return saidfluid to said skid steer.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein saidwater pump is powered by a hydraulic motor and said hydraulic motor isadjacently mounted on said mobile platform, whereby said hydraulic motoris powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid which is supplied from saidskid steer via hydraulic hoses which flow hydraulic fluid from said skidsteer to said hydraulic motor and then return said fluid to said skidsteer.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, and further comprising a hydraulicmotor adjacently mounted on said mobile platform; and further comprisingan over hung load adapter adjacently mounted to said hydraulic motor;and further comprising a multi grove pulley adjacently mounted to saidover hung load adapter; and further comprising an electric clutchmounted pulley mounted to said vacuum producing means, and furthercomprising an electric clutch mounted pulley mounted on said water pump,and further comprising drive belts adjacently mounted to said multigrove pulley and said electric clutch mounted pulleys, whereby a singlehydraulic motor may belt drive the vacuum producing means and the waterpump simultaneously and the electric clutch driven pulleys may beactivated or deactivated if on operator chooses to only operate one orthe other clutches.
 11. The apparatus of claim 3, and further comprisingone or more hydraulic hoses, hydraulic hose quick connects and hydraulicflow control means for adjusting the flow of hydraulic fluid to saidarticulated boom arm mounted tools, wherein said hydraulic hose, quickconnect and flow control means are adjacently mounted on said mobileplatform, whereby hydraulic power is supplied to said tool bypressurized hydraulic fluid which is supplied from said skid steer viasaid hydraulic hoses which flow hydraulic fluid from said skid steer tosaid hydraulic tool and then return said fluid to said skid steer. 12.The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising an air filter housingmeans adjacently mounted on said mobile platform, and further comprisinga vacuum hose reel means for storing said vacuum conduit, wherein saidfilter housing and said vacuum hose reel are adjacently mounted on saidmobile platform, whereby said filter housing may have filters positionedwithin it for removing solids from air and said vacuum hose reel mayhave a rotary joint and connecting vacuum conduit adjacently mounted soas to allow said vacuum hose to vacuum solids or liquid into said vacuumcontainer while said vacuum hose is partially rolled up on said hosereel.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3 and further comprising anattachment means for mounting said mobile platform to an attachmentreceiving means of said skid steer wherein said attachment means isadjacently mounted on said mobile platform, whereby said mobile platformattachment means is made to fit and couple with a predetermined skidsteer attachment receiving means for attaching implement tool.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3 and further comprising a wirelesscommunication transmitter/receiver adjacently mounted on said mobileplatform whereby the operating functions of said mobile platform mountedsystems may have remote wireless transfer of data.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said vacuum container further comprises an accessopening, an access door and a powered telescoping cylinder wherein saidaccess door is adjacently mounted to said vacuum container accessopening and said powered telescoping cylinder has a first end and asecond end and said first end of said cylinder is mounted adjacent tosaid vacuum container and said second end of said cylinder is mountedadjacent to said access door, whereby said access door is opened orclosed by retracting or extending said powered telescoping cylinder. 16.A mobile vacuum excavation and data documenting system comprising: amobile platform means for transporting said system; a vacuum containermeans for storing solids or liquids; a vacuum producing means forcreating a vacuum environment within said vacuum container; a vacuumconduit means for vacuuming air, liquid or solids into said vacuumcontainer; a sensor means for measuring a physical quantity; a GPSsignal receiver means for documenting a position; and a data loggermeans for recording data over time; wherein said vacuum container, saidvacuum producing means, said vacuum conduit, said sensor, said GPSsignal receiver, and said data logger are adjacently mounted on saidmobile platform, whereby said mobile vacuum excavation and datadocumenting system may excavate an access to a utility and document datarelative to the event such as the physical location of the event, whenthe event started, what took place during the event, and when the eventwas completed.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3 or 16, wherein saidplatform mounted system, further comprises a data gathering means fordocumenting the operation of said system and said data gathering meansis selected from the group consisting of an RFID tag means forestablishing identification; an RFID transmitter means for use with saidRFID tag; a GPS signal receiver means for documenting a position; a datalogger means for recording data over time; a PLC means for producingoutput responses relative to input conditions; a sensor means formeasuring a physical quantity and converting the measurement into outputdata; a camera means for recording images; a wireless communicationmeans for transferring information without electrical conductors orwires; and a utility mapping system means for capturing, storing,analyzing, editing, managing, or displaying geological information;whereby the mobile platform mounted system may have sensors formeasuring physical quantities relative to a utility service event orrepair operation; a data logger; a PLC; an RFID; a camera; a GPS; autility mapping program; or wireless communication; for documenting,controlling, displaying or storing data related to said service event,repair operation or the like; thus documenting who did the service, thephysical location of the service, when the service started, what tookplace during the service event, when the service was completed, how theservice event effected the overall utility system, update the utilitydata storage archives, and generate reports to those with a need toknow.